If you have been in a car or road accident, you have probably heard of whiplash. It’s a pain experienced following a rear-end car collision. This can have devastating effects. Thus, it’s essential to get the proper legal guidance from a whiplash injury lawyer.
Many whiplash injury lawyers deal with this common car collision injury. This type of injury can cause severe shoulder pain and neck pain. On top of that, you are at a higher risk of having other health complications in the future.
This type of injury will not always show external indications. Also, the effects of whiplash injuries will not always be evident in diagnostic examinations. Thus, it can be challenging for a whiplash injury patient to file a claim.
If you need help from a whiplash injury lawyer in submitting your claim, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
What Exactly Is Whiplash?
Medically, it is a type of injury affecting the neck. The name “whiplash” refers to what happens that causes damage to the body.
It typically occurs following a car collision, when a person’s neck is caused to whip forward and backward – causing severe damage abruptly.
When the neck area is strained due to a high impact that makes the head jolt forward and backward in rapid motion (car accidents, vehicle collisions, etc.), the tendons and muscles are stretched.
Typically, whiplash injuries affect the ligaments, soft tissues, muscles, tendons, vertebrae, bones, and neck discs. These injuries can also lead to chronic and severe health conditions in the future.
Here are some of the common symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Headaches
- Memory issues
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness in your extremities
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
If you or someone you know have been victims of a car accident, we highly encourage a comprehensive checkup with a licensed medical professional following the incident. They can check your overall condition and address any injuries.
How Do Insurance Companies Deal with Whiplash Injuries?
Unfortunately, many insurance companies undervalue whiplash injuries following a road accident. This is because there aren’t always any signs of external effects of whiplash injuries.
It is precisely due to the fact that whiplash injuries are not easily seen that they merit proper medical and legal attention. Sadly, many whiplash injury patients are devalued by insurance companies because their wounds are “invisible.”
That’s why it’s vital to seek the legal advice of a whiplash injury attorney.
Compensation for Whiplash Injuries from Road Accidents
In spite of what car insurance companies may lead you to believe, you have the right to compensation for your injuries. The type and amount of it will vary immensely and will specifically depend on your situation.
An experienced whiplash injury attorney will be able to help you if you are qualified to sue for the whiplash injuries you have.
Collect and Keep all Accident and Medical Records
If you are eligible to sue for personal injury, you must keep all the documentation pertaining to the accident, including your medical records. If you can, take photos of the accident scene and the damages to your and the other party’s vehicles.
After being checked by healthcare professionals, reach out to your car insurance agent, and update them on what has happened. Please note that it’s not a requirement for you to talk with the other party’s insurance representative. Their job is to prove that their client is not responsible for the accident.
Your own insurance agent can speak with the other party’s insurance. Also, your whiplash injury lawyer can communicate with the other party on your behalf. As mentioned, make sure you keep all the medical records from your whiplash injuries. This is an essential piece of evidence when filing your whiplash claim.
Need Help from an Experienced Whiplash Injury Lawyer?
Please reach out to us to discuss your whiplash injury case. Our team of legal experts is ready to provide the legal assistance you need.